Page:Wuthering Heights and Agnes Grey (1st edition), Volume 3 (Agnes Grey).djvu/23

Rh work in astonishment exclaiming, "You a governess, Agnes! What can you be dreaming of?"

"Well! I don't see anything so very extraordinary in it. I do not pretend to be able to instruct great girls; but surely I could teach little onesand I should like it so muchI am so fond of children. Do let me mama!"

"But my love you have not learnt to take care of yourself yet; and young children require more judgment and experience to manage than elder ones."

"But mama, I am above eighteen and, quite able to take care of myself, and others too. You do not know half the wisdom and prudence I possess, because I have never been tried."

"Only think," said Mary, "what would you do in a house full of strangers, without me or mama to speak and act for youwith a parcel of children, besides yourself, to attend to; and no one to look to for advice? You would not even know what clothes to put on."

"You think, because I always do as you bid me, I have no judgment of my own: but only try me—that is all I ask—and you shall see what I can do."